Since 2016, we have been constantly on the lookout for the latest boards to keep you up to date with comprehensive reviews.
That’s why today I would like to introduce you to the Goosehill allround boards Rainbow and Sailor in more detail.
Especially in the English-speaking SUP scene, these boards have been a frequent topic of discussion lately and we also receive comments and inquiries about these models again and again.
In addition, the boards seem to be quite in demand on Amazon and have a large number of extremely positive reviews.
Reason enough to take a close look at the offers and give you our unvarnished view, far from the marketing promises!
We have tested the Goosehill Sailor ourselves.
Since the boards do not differ in the basic features (construction, dimensions, design, etc.), I have decided to summarize both variants in one review.
Of course, I will also go into the differences between Goosehill Rainbow and Goosehill Sailor in the corresponding points.
Look at our video review of the Goosehill Sailor:
The Goosehill Sailor (as well as the similar built model Goosehill Rainbow) are classic all-around boards that are well suited for beginners. There is some exaggeration when it comes to load capacity, but overall the board seems to be stiff and received many positive reviews. Given the affordable price, both paddleboards are great boards to start with.
Table of Contents
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With dimensions of 320 x 81 x 15 cm (10’6″ x 32″ x 6″), the Goosehill SUP in both versions is fully within the average range of the board type.
Its silhouette with a wide and rounded tip (nose) and a straight tail is one of the variations of the classic allround shape.
However, the distinctly straight course of the side line (rails), which promises a good straight line run, is striking.
The setup with 3 fins (2+1) improves the basic stability and maneuverability, while experience shows that any board in the 10.6 class can still be steered quite agilely.
Due to the thickness of 15 cm (6″) and the special construction (“SCE-Technology”) the board achieves good values in terms of stiffness and buoyancy.
The width of 81 cm (32″) is in the solid standard range, leads to a high tipping stability and allows every beginner within a short time the first sense of achievement.
The Goosehill Sailor is slightly lighter than the Goosehill Rainbow, which is certainly due to the strength of the material used.
According to the manufacturer, there are also differences in the load capacity, which I will discuss in more detail later.
The Goosehill Sailor is available in 2 colors (Blue, Green) and the Goosehill Rainbow even in 3 colors (Blue, Green, Red).
Both variants are delivered with complete accessory package, which consists of the following components:
SUP backpack, 3-piece and infinitely adjustable paddle, switchable double-stroke air pump, removable center fin (plug-in system), coiled leash (spiral-shaped safety line), repair kit incl. valve wrench.
The Goosehill 10.6 Review in Detail
We do our best to ensure that every reader is able to find the right board for them, regardless of their previous experience.
We too were once faced with the confusing choice of SUP boards and know exactly how difficult the decision is.
We use our years of growing experience to explain all the facts and features of the boards and accessories.
If you have further individual questions, you can always leave us a comment. We will be happy to help you and try to answer you as soon as possible!
Product Specifications
| Board Type | Inflatable |
| Brand | Goosehill Sport |
| Skill | Beginner |
| Price Category | Affordable |
| Area of Application | Allround |
| Max. Paddler Weight | 90 – 100 kg (200-220 lbs) |
| Length | 320 cm (10’6″) |
| Width | 81 cm (32″) |
| Thickness | 15 cm (6″) |
| Weight | Sailor: 9.3 kg (20.5 lbs), Rainbow: 10.3 kg (25.5 lbs) |
| Volume | 300 liters |
| Accessories | SUP board bag, 3-piece and infinitely adjustable paddle, switchable double action pump, removable center fin (plug-in system), coiled leash, repair kit incl. valve wrench |
Construction
The Goosehill SUP 10.6 with its completely average dimensions and the well-known contour (shape) is an absolutely classic allrounder.
The rounded board tip (nose) and the solid width make the board a perfect companion for any beginner…these boards are by far the best selling.
Its construction provides a successful mix of stability and good running characteristics, but for allround boards the focus is always primarily on a very high tipping stability.
The board has a total of 3 fins (2+1), the two small side fins are fixed and the large center fin is removable via a plug system.
This means you are ready to go on the water in a short time. This setup is also completely characteristic for this board class.
The Goosehill SUP 10.6 has a thickness of 15 cm or 6″ and has a single large air chamber with 300 liters of volume.
These values are particularly important in terms of load capacity and basic stability and are in a very good range.
Load Capacity
According to Goosehill, the Sailor’s maximum load is 200 kg (440 lbs), and the Rainbow’s even 250 kg (550 lbs).
It is possible that the boards can carry this immense load without sinking. But in practice I think these values are completely exaggerated and I would like to explain why.
In expert circles the load is calculated by determining the so-called residual volume (board volume minus board weight minus paddler weight = residual volume), you can find more details on this topic here.
For best running characteristics, a residual volume of 200 liters is considered ideal.
In terms of Goosehill boards, this means that at a user weight of 100 kg (220 lbs) at the latest, a very significant loss of performance is to be expected.
The manufacturer argues in this point with the excellent stiffness of the models.
Even if this is true, the boards nevertheless sink deeper and deeper into the water from the calculated load and then have an increasingly high water resistance when paddling. It is of no use if the board does not deform due to its stiffness!
The weight of the Goosehill Sailor is slightly lower because the material used (PVC) is thinner. Therefore, I would classify the recommended user weight for this board at max 90 kg (200 lbs).
Don’t get me wrong, for swimming fun and mini-laps on the lake you can certainly load the boards heavier.
But then you can say goodbye to the actually good gliding behavior. Not for nothing, the vast majority of well-known manufacturers specify a recommended user weight of 90 – 95 kg (200 – 210 lbs) for their 10.6 Allrounders!
The Goosehill Sailor (as well as the similar built model Goosehill Rainbow) are classic all-around boards that are well suited for beginners. There is some exaggeration when it comes to load capacity, but overall the board seems to be stiff and received many positive reviews. Given the affordable price, both paddleboards are great boards to start with.
Areas of Application and Driving Characteristics
Allround boards are, as the name suggests, built for wide and varied areas of use. That’s exactly why they are so popular and are considered the beginner boards par excellence.
Especially on lakes, canals and other waters with a calm surface you can gain the most beautiful experiences as a beginner and gradually improve your technique.
No board type is more versatile than the Allrounder…a high basic stability enables you to progress quickly, so that after a short time nothing stands in the way of your first relaxed tour.
When you are more confident, you can dare to use the Goosehill SUP 10.6 on slow flowing waters and conquer smaller waves.
It forgives technical beginner mistakes and accompanies you safely through many beautiful experiences on the water.
Unfortunately, allround boards are no gliding wonders due to their wide cut design. The high degree of stability goes hand in hand with increased water resistance, so you can’t reach very high speeds.
This type of board is not designed for top performance, but offers you the best compromise to be able to cope with all conditions.
A special feature of Goosehill SUP boards are the straight rails (side surfaces). These keep the boards much better on a straight course and ensure that you glide well.
Material and Weight
On this point, the manufacturer hides somewhat behind a marketing term by calling the construction “SCE technology” (Super Construction Enhancement Technology).
Unfortunately, it is nowhere apparent what this manufacturing process is all about and what the material construction looks like in detail.
I think that’s a shame, because there are many high-quality and meaningful techniques (single-, double-, multi-layer, thermo-fusion, etc.).
If a manufacturer manages a real innovation in this area, then he is not stingy with information, but proudly presents the details!
Only the construction of the core (“dropstitch”) is clearly named in the Goosehill boards. In the “dropstitch” process, countless interwoven polyester threads connect the upper and lower sides inside the board and provide a stable basic structure.
The weight of the Goosehill Sailor 10.6 is 9.3 kg, while the Goosehill Rainbow 10.6 weighs 10.3 kg. Both values are in the lower midfield of the board class.
The differences are an indication that slightly thicker PVC was used on the Rainbow, which certainly shows in the form of higher stiffness and load capacity.
The absolute majority of the boards seem to be flawlessly processed. There are really a lot of enormously positive reviews on Amazon.
Workmanship
Although there are also isolated criticism (quality of accessories, etc.) but that can unfortunately not always be excluded in the low price range.
Most customers are satisfied and praise the price-performance ratio.
Design
The design of both variants is quite similar. The basic color of all boards is white and is determined by different colored deckpads and sides. The Goosehill Sailor is available in 2 colors (Sailor Blue, Sailor Green).
With the Goosehill Rainbow you also have the option to choose a red version. The Sailor’s base is divided into 3 colors, while the Rainbow’s base is divided into 2 colors and broken up by white, arrow-shaped stripes. The matching color logo decorates the nose of all models.
The rails are designed in the front area in the respective color and black in the rear area, there are also the dimensions of the board in white.
The also white tread of the boards carries the lettering of Goosehill. Overall, I find the design sporty simple and the color palette should cover many preferences!
The Goosehill Sailor (as well as the similar built model Goosehill Rainbow) are classic all-around boards that are well suited for beginners. There is some exaggeration when it comes to load capacity, but overall the board seems to be stiff and received many positive reviews. Given the affordable price, both paddleboards are great boards to start with.
Other Features
Both Goosehill SUP 10.6 SUP boards have the following features:
- Deckpad: The standing surface is made of anti-slip EVA and ensures, by the diamond structure, even in wet conditions for a safe stand.
- Free D-ring: At the tail there is a D-ring to hang the included coiled leash (spiral-shaped safety line).
- Central Strap: The central strap is located directly on the center of gravity of the board. Here is also the so-called “sweet spot” and shows you the most stable standing position.
- 2+1 Fin Setup With Removable Center Fin: The 2 smaller side fins are firmly glued and the large center fin is removable (plug-in system).
- Luggage Net: In the front area of the top is the elastic cover net, which is attached to 4 D-rings. Here you can safely stow equipment or provisions. To keep everything dry, it is best to pack your luggage in a waterproof dry bag!
Accessories
The Goosehill SUP boards are generally delivered with a complete accessory package:
- Goosehill SUP 10.6 Backpack: The black SUP backpack is made of sturdy nylon and is printed with the manufacturer’s logo and lettering. The large main compartment can be opened completely with the circumferential zipper. Inside you will find enough space for the entire set and can secure the equipment with an integrated strap. By laterally attached, adjustable straps you can adjust the volume additionally.
2 side pockets made of mesh offer you additional storage space. The model has a carrying loop, wide, adjustable and lightly padded backpack straps and a likewise adjustable waist strap.
In addition, the back section is additionally padded. For the price range of the boards, the backpack makes a really good impression. Dimensions: 95 x 45 x 35 cm (37″ x 18″ x 14″).
- 3-Piece Goosehill SUP 10.6 Paddle: The shaft of this model is made of aluminum and the paddle blade and handle are made of sturdy plastic. The paddle is infinitely adjustable. A cheap model weighing about 1 kg!
- Switchable Goosehill Sup 10.6 Double Stroke Air Pump With Pressure Indicator (Manometer): The included double stroke air pump is equipped with a manometer (pressure gauge). At the beginning of the pumping process, you can set it to pump air into the board both when pulling up and pushing down. This double stroke mode fills most of the volume in a short time. However, as the back pressure increases, pulling up becomes more and more difficult. You can then switch the pump to single-stroke mode so that it only works when pushing down. This mode saves you a lot of power!
- Detachable Goosehill SUP 10.6 Center Fin: The dolphin-shaped center fin can be quickly inserted into the rail and fixed with an enclosed pin or clip. This system is called plug-in or slide-in system. It has clear advantages over the US box system (with screw and threaded plate) in terms of speed. On the other hand, there are fewer models available for retrofitting.
- Goosehill SUP 10.6 Coiled-Leash: This spiral-shaped safety leash connects your ankle to the board via a sturdy Velcro sleeve. If you fall into the water, it stretches to its full length and keeps your board close to you.
- Goosehill SUP 10.6 Repair Kit: This small kit in an orange waterproof tin consists of color-matched PVC patches and a valve wrench. Unfortunately, the glue is missing so you can repair small damages to the board yourself. With the wrench you can check the valve for tightness and also replace it in case of a defect.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to inflate the Goosehill boards?
Using the double stroke air pump, the board should be inflated to the recommended 15 PSI (about 1 bar) within 5-7 minutes.
Are the Goosehill SUP boards also suitable for beginners?
Yes, both boards are even perfectly suitable for beginners due to their construction. The accessory kit includes everything you need for a successful start!
What is the difference between Goosehill Sailor and Goosehill Rainbow?
At first glance, the boards are identical, except for the selection of colors. However, if you take a close look at the specs, it becomes clear that the Goosehill Rainbow is slightly heavier at 10.3 kg than the Goosehill Sailor at 9.5 kg. This is a clear indication that the material used on the Rainbow is a bit thicker. This should make the Goosehill Rainbow even stiffer overall and a bit more resilient. This difference is also reflected in the price.
Conclusion
Both the Goosehill Rainbow and the Goosehill Sailor are absolutely classic allround boards that are very well suited for beginners.
The boards are versatile and are stable in the water. Exceptional is the straight running side line, which leads to a good tracking.
Points of criticism for me are: the absolutely exaggerated information on the load capacity and the completely unclear communication regarding the material structure (“SCE Technology”).
In this respect, I am somewhat skeptical and can not imagine that Goosehill has reinvented the wheel, with regard to the manufacture of high-quality SUP boards.
Ultimately, however, this is not decisive, because the board seems to be stiff and powerful overall, the many positive reviews are clear in this regard.
This results in a very good price/performance ratio. The accessories package is not particularly high quality, but it is sufficient for the beginning.
Still, both variants belong to the low-priced models and at this price you can’t expect a masterpiece performance, unfortunately.
The boards are not a threat to our winners of the SUP Board Test 2021 in terms of quality, but the overall package is certainly satisfactory for beginners!
The Goosehill Sailor (as well as the similar built model Goosehill Rainbow) are classic all-around boards that are well suited for beginners. There is some exaggeration when it comes to load capacity, but overall the board seems to be stiff and received many positive reviews. Given the affordable price, both paddleboards are great boards to start with.
